Cost of living in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, located in the state of Michigan, is known for its vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses you can expect in Grand Rapids, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18.49 on average, with a range between $12 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $65, with prices ranging from $50 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $8 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $10.62, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $11, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.45 per liter, averaging $0.83.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.99 and $6.61, with an average price of $3.06.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.99 to $6, averaging $3.25.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $13.23 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.86 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $4.39 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.75, with a monthly pass priced at $47.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.25, with a cost of $1.4 to $3.11 per km and $25 to $31.5 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1750 to $2200, averaging $1983.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1100 to $1750, averaging $1412.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1600 to $4500, averaging $2866.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $2100.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2012.85 to $3412.16, averaging $2038.68.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2012.85 to $2152.78, averaging $2038.68.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $295, averaging $117.65.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $58.43.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Grand Rapids offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is quite affordable, especially with public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Grand Rapids provides a balanced cost of living with affordable options in dining, transportation, and utilities.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, there are more economical options available outside the centre.
Overall, Grand Rapids is an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant city life without the high costs associated with larger cities.